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Got holiday stress? Jump, dance and move to feel better

Here's how to shake things off and start fresh.
/ Source: TODAY Contributor

When you’re stressed out about the holidays, sometimes the best remedy is to move!

Whenever I get tense, I immediately jump on my trampoline. This fabulous exercise not only makes me feel more childlike, but it greatly supports the lymphatic system and also helps me bust through the blocks. Within one minute, my body begins to vibrate and my stress starts to fall away.

jump for health
TODAY

I recommend ten minutes of movement for vitality and peace. If you don’t have a trampoline then simply jump rope or dance around your room. Gabrielle Roth said, "Dance is the fastest, most direct route to the truth." Sometimes when I really need to shake things off, I turn on a powerful song and dance for one minute. In this minute, I dance through my blocks.

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The human body needs to move. Research now shows jumping (ideally on the trampoline) is one of the most effective exercises because of its benefits on the lymphatic system. Think of the lymphatic system as the washing machine within the body. It carries nutrients to the cells while leading waste products away. Movement is imperative in order for the lymphatic system to work properly. Without the proper movement, it gets blocked — leaving the cells to soak in all the waste — and does not deliver the proper nutrients. This stagnation in the body can lead to cancer, arthritis, degenerative diseases and aging.

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The greatest benefit of ten minutes of movement is that you can shake off the stress and start fresh!

Here's another technique to remember: The best and most effective practice for calming your energy this holiday season is through your breath.

The next time you find yourself hyper-stressed, use this practice to silence your mind and calm your energy.

The One-Minute Breath:

• Breathe in for 5 seconds

• Hold your breath for 5 seconds

• Release for 5 seconds

• Hold for 5 seconds

Practice this breath pattern for one minute a day.

Gabrielle Bernstein is a meditation teacher, life coach and spiritual leader. She's one of Oprah Winfrey's "Next Generation Thought Leaders" and the author of "Miracles Now" and "Spirit Junkie."